Description: Process Blocking in the context of access control systems refers to the ability to prevent a process from executing or accessing system resources that are not explicitly allowed. Access control mechanisms use profiles to define which resources can be accessed by specific applications. This security mechanism is based on the idea that by restricting access to critical resources, the risk of malicious or compromised software causing damage to the system or accessing sensitive information can be mitigated. Process blocking is implemented by creating rules that specify the allowed and prohibited actions for each application, allowing for a granular approach to system security. This technique is especially relevant in environments where security is paramount, such as servers and systems handling sensitive data. By limiting a process’s capabilities, the attack surface is reduced, and the system’s resilience against vulnerabilities and exploits is improved.
History: AppArmor was developed by Immunix in 2003 as a response to the need for a more flexible and user-friendly access control system than SELinux. In 2009, AppArmor was integrated into the Linux kernel, facilitating its adoption across various Linux distributions. Over the years, it has evolved to include features such as dynamic profile loading and integration with security management tools.
Uses: Process blocking is primarily used in production environments to protect critical applications and sensitive data. It allows system administrators to define security policies that limit applications’ access to system resources such as files, networks, and devices. This is especially useful in web servers, databases, and systems handling confidential information.
Examples: A practical example of process blocking is restricting a web server to only access the files necessary to serve content, preventing it from accessing sensitive configuration files or a database. Another example is using profiles for messaging applications that limit access to the network and system files, thereby protecting user information.
